Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Federal Election - Thunder Bay-Rainy River

In Thunder Bay-Rainy River, NDP incumbent John Rafferty took almost 49 per cent of the vote in a successful bid for re-election.

But he says his win is tempered by the Conservatives winning a majority government.

Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann came in second.

Stehmann says she's was elated by her campaign and is already looking to the next election.

Liberal Ken Boshcoff came in third, but has no regrets.

Less than 60 per cent of eligible voters in the riding cast ballots.

Election Wrap - National

Steven Harper's Conservatives have won the majority government in last night's federal election.

The Tories won 167 seats, 12 more than needed to take control of the House of Commons.

That's 65 more than the New Democrats, who become the official opposition for the first time in party history with 102 seats.

The two parties that saw their support collapse were the Liberals, who went from 77 seats in 2008 to 34 this time.

The Bloc Quebecois saw its support plummet from 47 seats to just four.

The Green Party has been elected to a riding for the first time, with leader Elizabeth May taking her B.C. riding.

Buyer for Sapawe Mill

There's been a potential buyer found for the idled Atikokan Forest Products mill.

Eacom Timber Corporation of Montreal says it's entered into an purchase agreement with receiver PricewaterhouseCoopers for both the Sapawe mill and Northern Sawmills in Thunder Bay.

The purchases are subject to a number of conditions.

Eacom is also seeking a secure wood supply from the province for the Atikokan mill as well.

Customs Officer Pleads Guilty

An International Falls Customs Border Protection Officer has plead guilty to a charge of sexual assault.

46-year-old Patrick Hamburg made the plea as his trail was set to begin yesterday.

Hamburgh was arrested last November.

A criminal complaint indicated his victim was a young girl who was assaulted multiple times over several years.

Hamburg faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Lawyer Named to Board



A Fort Frances lawyer has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Larry Eustace is among forty across the province elected to a four year term.

He's being in practice for 37 years.

UFC Fan Recalls Fight Involvement

A Fort Frances man is calling it a thrill of a lifetime.

Trevor Fitzgerald returned home yesterday after earning the right to place the welterweight championship belt on UFC fighter George St. Pierre Saturday.

"It's a once in a lifetime experience," Fitzgerald. "It's something I'll never forget. There's a lot of interest in it. I didn't necessary expect that but it was a real thrill for me personally."

UFC President Dana White granted Fitzgerald's request made the night before during a fan forum.